Ab exercises

Captain's Chair Knee Raise

Also known as: Relevés de genoux à la chaise romaine · Ανυψώσεις γονάτων στο δίζυγο · captain's chair · vertical knee raise · VKR

Primary
Abs
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
1 min

How to do the Captain's Chair Knee Raise

  1. Rest your forearms on the station's pads and your back against the backrest, legs hanging.

  2. Brace your core and keep your back against the pad.

  3. Bring your knees toward your chest by contracting your abs.

  4. Lower your legs slowly without swinging.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Abs

Secondary

Obliques

The abs flex your spine and stop it from arching. Mix crunching moves (crunches, leg raises) with anti-extension work (planks, rollouts).

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Captain's Chair Knee Raise doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

Train smarter

Bodyweight ab exercises